Surgical tool and method for fixation of ligaments

A surgical tool for use in holding a ligament in contact with supportive tissue of a patient, the surgical tool comprising:

• a wedging element having:
• an expandable portion for being positioned adjacent the ligament and supportive tissue;
• a first end embodying the expandable portion;
• a second end in opposed relation to said first end;
• and
• a through opening extending from the first end to the second end;
• and
• an expander element for expanding the wedging element so as to wedge the ligament between the wedging element and supportive tissue, thereby inhibiting movement of the ligament as it heals, said expander element including:
• an insertion end for being first inserted into the through opening adjacent the second end of the wedging element;
• and
• a driving end for use in driving the insertion end into the through opening to thereby expand the expandable portion of the wedging element.

A method for holding a ligament in contact with supportive tissue of a patient, said method comprising:

• providing a wedging element with an expandable portion;
• providing an expander element operable to expand the wedging element;
• positioning the wedging element adjacent the ligament and supportive tissue;
• and
• expanding the wedging element with the expander element so as to wedge the ligament between the wedging element and supportive tissue, thereby inhibiting movement of the ligament as it heals.